Town of Watertown

1. Permits are not required for tents 350 square feet or less, EXCEPT if there is electric wiring, heating or cooking facilities. CT Sup 3104.1.1.

2. Permits are not required for tents 900 square feet or less, EXCEPT if they are occupied by 50 or more persons or have electrical wiring, heating or cooking facilities and are erected for fewer than 72 hours. CT Sup 3104.1.1.

3. Within a tent, the tent supplier or homeowner can plug in their own equipment, including exit signs and lighting. An Electrical Permit is required

4. Lightning protection is  NOT REQUIRED for a tent. A tent is not the place to be during a storm.

5. Ground Rods are required ONLY AT A GENERATOR and shall be grounded effectively to the generator. Not Required at tent poles - Tent poles shall be bonded to the grounding.

6. Electric power taken from a dwelling shall use the dwellings grounding system.

7. Lighting shall be protected by guards and kept away from combustible materials. NEC 305- 4(f) Festoon wiring is allowed in a tent (incandescent lamps are O.K.)

8. Lighting shall be kept high enough within tent as not to make contact with pedestrians.

9. Electric power directly from a generator with outlets and plug in cords may be done by tent supplier or homeowner. GFCI OUTLETS MUST BE AT TENT . An Electrical Permit is required

10. Electrical power from sub-panel GFCI outlets to within tent may be done by tent supplier or homeowner. An Electrical Permit is required and may be taken out by the tent supplier, homeowner or agent.

11. Electric power from house panel to sub panel shall be installed by a qualified licensed electrical contractor. An Electrical Permit is required .

12. Sub panel may be inside or outside tent and must be supported.

13. Nuisance tripping of GFCI can be eliminated by the use of short cords and less load per circuit.

14. NPA 102 - Open flame device is not allowed - Must have hurricane glass around flame.

15. Sterno type food warming devices are allowed in tents WITHOUT A PERMIT if they are supported by an approved holding device which would keep the sterno from falling over.

16. All tents with an occupant load greater than 50 shall have two exits.

17. All tents that are required to have more than one exit shall have approved exit signs. - Does not have to be internally lit unless used at night - However must have back up power for light illuminated sign.

EXCEPTION to Signs:

where tent has no sides and means of egress are obvious. BOCA Section 1023.1 Sign Location